Nicotera
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Latest page update: 16 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Nicotera
Nicotera sits on a hillside overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, with its historic centre rising above Nicotera Marina below. In the old town itself, accommodation is mostly small guesthouses and apartments, while the coastal area provides more established hotel options.
Antica Marina Hotel is one of the best choices, close to the beach and featuring comfortable rooms, a restaurant and attentive service, with strong reviews from guests (€€). Also in Nicotera Marina, Hotel Nautilus offers practical accommodation, on-site dining and easy access to the seafront promenade (€€). For those willing to travel a short distance, Hotel Ulisse in Capo Vaticano combines a private beach area, pool and sea-view rooms, regularly praised for location and amenities (€€).
Antica Marina Hotel is one of the best choices, close to the beach and featuring comfortable rooms, a restaurant and attentive service, with strong reviews from guests (€€). Also in Nicotera Marina, Hotel Nautilus offers practical accommodation, on-site dining and easy access to the seafront promenade (€€). For those willing to travel a short distance, Hotel Ulisse in Capo Vaticano combines a private beach area, pool and sea-view rooms, regularly praised for location and amenities (€€).
Where is
Where is Nicotera?
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The hill town of Nicotera is situated within the Province of Vibo Valentia. It has a population of around 6,000 inhabitants and stands at an elevation of 220 metres above sea level.
Places of interest nearby include the towns of Nicotera Marina, Joppolo, Capo Vaticano and Tropea. The recommended accommodation for Nicotera is the Hotel Maremonti. |
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Comune di Nicotera
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Province: Vibo Valentia
Region: Calabria Population: 6,557 (in 2024 - source) Size: 32 km² Elevation: 220 metres Close by: Nicotera Marina, Joppolo, Capo Vaticano, Tropea Recommended accommodation: Hotel Maremonti (7 km) |
What People Ask About Nicotera, Calabria
Is Nicotera worth visiting?
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Discover
Discover Nicotera
Nicotera is situated in the province of Vibo Valentia, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea from a hillside on the Costa degli Dei. The old town occupies a panoramic position with views across the Gulf of Gioia Tauro and the Aeolian Islands, while Nicotera Marina, below, lies along a broad sandy beach backed by farmland and citrus groves. The contrast between the upper historic centre and the coastal plain defines the character of the area.
The medieval heart of Nicotera includes narrow streets, small squares, and notable landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Ruffo Castle, and the Diocesan Museum, which reflects the town’s long ecclesiastical history. Down by the coast, Nicotera Marina offers beach facilities, family-run hotels, and seafood restaurants. The surrounding countryside produces olive oil, wine, and local agricultural products typical of southern Calabria. Nicotera is connected by both rail and road to Vibo Valentia and Reggio Calabria, providing convenient access along the southern Tyrrhenian coast.
The medieval heart of Nicotera includes narrow streets, small squares, and notable landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Ruffo Castle, and the Diocesan Museum, which reflects the town’s long ecclesiastical history. Down by the coast, Nicotera Marina offers beach facilities, family-run hotels, and seafood restaurants. The surrounding countryside produces olive oil, wine, and local agricultural products typical of southern Calabria. Nicotera is connected by both rail and road to Vibo Valentia and Reggio Calabria, providing convenient access along the southern Tyrrhenian coast.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Nicotera
- Centro Storico di Nicotera is perched on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, its streets winding through medieval stone buildings, narrow alleys, and small piazzas. The town offers views across olive groves and coastal plains. Small squares reveal fountains and shaded corners. Walking here provides insight into a community where history and sea views combine.
- Castello Ruffo di Nicotera dominates the skyline, a medieval fortress with thick walls and towers. The castle offers panoramic views of the sea and surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore its ramparts and courtyards, learning about Nicotera’s defensive past. It remains a key landmark.
- Duomo di Nicotera stands in the town centre, its Romanesque façade leading to an interior adorned with frescoes and sacred artworks. The cathedral has long been central to the town’s spiritual life. It remains a valued place of worship and cultural heritage.
- Piazza San Giorgio serves as Nicotera’s social hub, bordered by traditional houses, cafés, and shops. The square hosts markets, festivals, and community gatherings. Its cobblestones and sea views create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to experience village life.
- Guided cultural and nature tours in Nicotera lead visitors through historic streets, castle grounds, and nearby coastal landscapes. Local guides share stories of ancient customs, maritime heritage, and regional history. Tours often include tastings of local wines, olive oils, and traditional Calabrian dishes. Exploring reveals Nicotera’s blend of heritage and coastal charm.
Nicotera Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Nicotera Photo Gallery
Calabria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Calabria
1. Tropea
2. Pizzo
3. Scilla
4. Sila National Park
5. Le Castella
6. Capo Vaticano
7. Pentedattilo
8. Santa Severina
9. Riace Bronzes
10. Altomonte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Calabria
1. Tropea
2. Pizzo
3. Scilla
4. Sila National Park
5. Le Castella
6. Capo Vaticano
7. Pentedattilo
8. Santa Severina
9. Riace Bronzes
10. Altomonte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Calabria
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Nicotera
By Rail: Nicotera has its own train station on the Lamezia Terme–Reggio Calabria line, operated by Trenitalia. Regional services connect the town to Lamezia Terme in about 1 hour and 10 minutes and to Reggio Calabria in around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The station is located close to the seafront area, with local buses and taxis providing access to the hilltop historic centre.
By Road: Nicotera is situated on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, about 80 kilometres southwest of Lamezia Terme. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via the SS18. From Reggio Calabria, the distance is around 85 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A2 motorway. The town is well connected by coastal roads, and parking is available both near the beach and around the upper town.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Nicotera is situated on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, about 80 kilometres southwest of Lamezia Terme. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via the SS18. From Reggio Calabria, the distance is around 85 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A2 motorway. The town is well connected by coastal roads, and parking is available both near the beach and around the upper town.
Nearest International Airports:
- Lamezia Terme International Airport: Located about 80 kilometres northeast of Nicotera, with a drive of around 1 hour and 15 minutes via the SS18. This is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
- Reggio Calabria Airport: Situated roughly 90 kilometres south, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car via the A2 motorway. It provides regional and national routes.
- Crotone–Sant’Anna Airport: Approximately 210 kilometres east, with a journey time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes via the SS106. It offers limited domestic services.
Private Transfers
Nicotera Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Nicotera, offering a direct journey without the need to drive or organise public transport. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken straight to your destination by a professional local driver.
Lamezia Terme Airport is the most suitable option for arrivals and departures, with good road connections along the Tyrrhenian coast. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Joppolo, Rosarno, and Tropea, or to other seaside towns and villages throughout southern Calabria.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Lamezia Terme Airport is the most suitable option for arrivals and departures, with good road connections along the Tyrrhenian coast. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Joppolo, Rosarno, and Tropea, or to other seaside towns and villages throughout southern Calabria.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
